Mike Dempsey returns to his roots

Sunday

Aug 25, 2013 at 1:00 PM

By Tom Ewing and Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale, for The Evening News

Where were you when you first heard the song, “Let’s Call The Whole Thing Off?” Allow the memories to flood in with song titles such as “Old Man River,” “The Way We Were,” “Baby, It’s Cold Outside,” “Makin’ Whoopee,” and “Over The Rainbow.”

These songs and more can be heard August 29 at The Soo Theatre Project during a performance of “Mike Dempsey & Friends.”

Dempsey was born and raised in Sault Ste. Marie. He attended St. Mary’s and Sault High Schools. He received both his bachelor and master degrees from Michigan State University, and then served in the U.S. Army. He has been the choral director at both Pontiac Central and Pontiac Northern High Schools and also served as choir director at several Oakland County area churches.

Dempsey has been music director for such large-scale musicals as “South Pacific,” “Oklahoma,” “Carousel,” “The King and I”,” Music Man,” “Kiss Me Kate,” “Superman,” “You’re A Good Man Charlie Brown,” “Mame,” “My Fair Lady,” “Gypsy,” “Sweet Charity,” “Li’l Abner,” and “Sound of Music.”

In 1995, he founded a singing group called the “Mike Dempsey & Friends.” This assembly of talented musicians has performed composer-theme musicals throughout Southeastern Michigan. In addition to writing the script and arranging the music, Dempsey serves as the pianist for this group.

It is with great excitement and pleasure that The Soo Theatre Project’s stage welcomes him every year for a “one night only” performance.

This is the fifth show that Dempsey has organized to help raise money to support The Soo Theatre Project in his hometown.

This year’s show, “Encores,” will feature unforgettable hits by great American composers performed by Mike and his friends as well as local talent including Karen Hughes Beacom, soprano; Maureen Delaney-Lehman, soprano; Linda Freeze, mezzo soprano; Lola Kennedy, mezzo soprano; Franc Laux, tenor; and John Young, baritone. This wonderful evening is further supported by Gig Stewart on bass, Eric Gadzinski on drums, and Tom Ewing as narrator.

Come and enjoy a night of memories through song and entertainment with “Mike Dempsey & Friends.”

Tickets are on sale at The Soo Theatre Project’s office located on Ashmun Street in downtown Sault Ste. Marie; call (906) 632-1930.

Since this is a very popular event, advance ticket sales are highly recommended.